Rip Currents: Your Questions Answered

A rip current is a powerful, narrow channel of fast-moving water that flows away from the beach. NOAA (opens in a new tab) says rip currents are common along the East, Gulf and West coasts of the U.S. and along the shores of the Great Lakes. They can move at up to 8 feet per second, faster than an Olympic swimmer. Lifeguards rescue tens of thousands of people from rip currents in the U.S. every year. Learn the basics in how to spot and escape a rip current.

Source: oceanservice.noaa.gov (opens in a new tab)

Look for a break in the pattern of the waves. The National Weather Service (opens in a new tab) lists three clues: water that is darker than the water around it, a gap of flatter water where waves are not breaking, and a line of foam, seaweed or debris moving away from the beach. It is easier to spot from higher ground such as a dune or beach access, and many rips show no clear sign at all (NWS (opens in a new tab)). Ask the lifeguard. Practice with the and see the full guide.

Sources: weather.gov (opens in a new tab), weather.gov (opens in a new tab)

Relax and float first. The National Weather Service (opens in a new tab) gives five steps: relax, because rip currents don't pull you under; don't swim against the current; swim out of the current, then to shore; if you can't escape, float or tread water; and if you need help, yell or wave. Swimming along the shoreline or toward breaking waves, then angling back to the beach, may get you out of the narrow channel (NWS (opens in a new tab)). See the and how to escape a rip current.

Sources: weather.gov (opens in a new tab), weather.gov (opens in a new tab)

No. Rip currents pull you away from the shore, not under the water, the National Weather Service (opens in a new tab) says. The danger comes from panic and exhaustion: NOAA (opens in a new tab) notes that panicked swimmers often try to swim straight back to shore against the current and tire out. Knowing that a rip will not drag you down makes it easier to stay calm, float and get out of the current. See drowning myths vs. facts.

Sources: weather.gov (opens in a new tab), oceanservice.noaa.gov (opens in a new tab)

Up to 8 feet per second, which is more than 5 miles per hour and faster than an Olympic swimmer, according to NOAA (opens in a new tab) and the National Weather Service (opens in a new tab). That is why even strong swimmers should not try to outswim one. Swim across the current, parallel to the beach, instead of straight back toward shore. See rip currents: how to escape.

Sources: oceanservice.noaa.gov (opens in a new tab), weather.gov (opens in a new tab)

Rip currents commonly form at breaks in sandbars and near inlets, jetties and piers, where they are more intense, according to the National Weather Service (opens in a new tab). The Red Cross (opens in a new tab) says to stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties while in the water, because permanent rip currents often exist near them. They can form at any beach with breaking waves. See why swimming near jetties and piers is risky.

Sources: weather.gov (opens in a new tab), redcross.org (opens in a new tab)

Yes. The National Weather Service (opens in a new tab) says rip currents often form on calm, sunny days, so great beach weather does not mean it is safe to swim. They can occur rain or shine, even when waves are only about 2 to 3 feet high (NWS (opens in a new tab)). Check the beach forecast before you go and swim only where a lifeguard is on duty. See why swimming near a lifeguard matters.

Sources: weather.gov (opens in a new tab), weather.gov (opens in a new tab)

Get a lifeguard or call 911, then throw something that floats. The National Weather Service (opens in a new tab) says to tell the person to swim along the shoreline, and never to go in without a flotation device, because many people have died trying to rescue someone. Human chains are dangerous and can put more people at risk (NWS (opens in a new tab)). The Red Cross (opens in a new tab) says not to attempt the rescue yourself unless you are a trained beach lifeguard. See helping someone in a rip current.

Sources: weather.gov (opens in a new tab), weather.gov (opens in a new tab), redcross.org (opens in a new tab)

No. People mix the words up. A rip current flows away from shore through the surf. The National Weather Service (opens in a new tab) says undertow describes the current beneath the surface as waves break on shore, and that neither one pulls a person underwater. NOAA (opens in a new tab) says a rip tide is a different current caused by tidal water rushing through inlets and harbor mouths; the NWS says there is no phenomenon specifically called a rip tide. See Undertow and Rip current.

Sources: weather.gov (opens in a new tab), oceanservice.noaa.gov (opens in a new tab)

Check your local National Weather Service surf zone forecast or beach advisories before you leave, the NWS (opens in a new tab) says, and ask your hotel or rental host for local beach forecasts. Forecasts rate the risk as low, moderate or high; at high risk, rip currents are life-threatening to anyone entering the surf (NWS Cleveland (opens in a new tab)). When you arrive, read the signs at the beach entrance and ask the lifeguard. See what beach warning flags mean.

Sources: weather.gov (opens in a new tab), weather.gov (opens in a new tab)

Yes, in large lakes with breaking waves, especially the Great Lakes. NOAA (opens in a new tab) lists the shores of the Great Lakes among the places where rip currents are common, and the National Weather Service (opens in a new tab) says rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves. The Red Cross (opens in a new tab) agrees that they can form in any large open water area. The escape steps are the same. See lake swimming safety.

Sources: oceanservice.noaa.gov (opens in a new tab), weather.gov (opens in a new tab), redcross.org (opens in a new tab)

Anywhere from minutes to months, depending on the type. The National Weather Service in Wilmington, N.C. (opens in a new tab) says flash rips usually last no more than 15 or 30 minutes but form suddenly and unpredictably; rips in channels between sandbars can stay in place for hours to several months; and rips beside jetties and piers can persist for months or years. Rip currents are most common within a few hours of low tide. Because some appear without warning, keep checking the water. See rip currents.

Source: weather.gov (opens in a new tab)

An estimated 100 people a year in the U.S., according to NOAA (opens in a new tab), even though lifeguards rescue tens of thousands. Rip currents account for about 80% of beach rescues, the National Weather Service (opens in a new tab) reports. Lifeguards make a big difference: the U.S. Lifesaving Association, as quoted by the NWS (opens in a new tab), puts the chance of drowning at a beach with lifeguards at 1 in 18 million. See why to swim near a lifeguard.

Sources: oceanservice.noaa.gov (opens in a new tab), weather.gov (opens in a new tab), weather.gov (opens in a new tab)

Learn the five escape steps out loud with your family, then practice spotting rips in photos with the . Before your next beach day, bookmark your local NWS surf zone forecast (opens in a new tab), plan to set up near a lifeguard stand, and pack something that floats to throw. Print the for your beach bag. Then read the beach safety checklist.

Sources: weather.gov (opens in a new tab), weather.gov (opens in a new tab)